Women in Europe during the Middle Ages were limited with what they were allowed to do. Men dominated as usual, being the ones that were able to work and have more freedom in general. During these times, there were strict restrictions mainly because society was focused around religion. The Roman Catholic Church was a huge influence that made woman stay home and be housewives. There was barely any options for women to show expression with what they do. Their role was to take care of their family, cook, teach religion, and make sure their children were taken care of. Women were not allowed to work and if they did, it did not pay even half as much as it did for men. It was expected to work with the man of the house if there was at home business such as brewing. Hence, many women during this period became nuns. Men controlled women’s jobs and how they were to do it, especially when it came to art since society did not acknowledge female painters. “These nameless artists labored in the service of abbots [...] Many of these artists were women, either working in business owned by male family members or living as nuns in convents” (Guerilla Girls 19). In this passage, the idea of female painters not having the same opportunities or reconignization is expressed as a challenge.
 |
| Hortus deliciarum - Herrad of Landsberg |
When the Renaissance period arrived, the roles of women slowly eased up. Men still had the upper hand with their activities and were highlighted in society whether it was in art, science, or other fields. Women were encouraged to learn skills that focused on benefiting their spouse. Spinning, weaving, brewing, understanding obedience, silence, and abstinence were all skills women had to acquire in order to be married. If for an example, one was not abstinent then there would be serious consequences, some involving death. The Renaissance period carried a lot more of female artists than the Middle ages, that is for sure. There was more exposure to art and education which allowed the city of Bologna to be a more advanced area for women empowerment during these times. A great shift in gender roles and society is seen in this city because women were approved to go to school and even teach. The importance of art, law, and philosophy was finally being displayed around this time.
 |
| Lavinia Fontana - The Holy Family With Saint Catherine of Alexandria |
Women that came from wealthy families or had a male painter within the family, had a better chance on being able to express their work, art, and viewpoints. For instance, females that had a wealthy father most likely allowed their daughters to have experience in the real world, allowing them to be more independent. A Renaissance female artist that displayed this was Lavinia Fontana. Her father was a painter himself so he gave his daughter the yes to be able to marry another painter. It can be challenging for a female to be a well known painter because status played such a great role during this period. Fontana was known for her religious paintings that displayed naturalism during the late 1570s. Her work was in high demand from the Pope and created a high status for herself although she got married and had children. Chadwick goes on his text saying “It is a sign of her status as a painter that she was able to postpone moving to Rome [...]” illustrating the fact that the Pope was aware of her capabilities of being a female painter (Chadwick 94). Fontana was the first to have this type of demand in the this particular Century!
 |
| Harriet Powers - Pictorial Quilt |
The 19th Century was an interesting time in art history. It was almost as if society was getting more lenient with women painters, but still had restrictions. In these years, war and slavery were taking place so most art was influenced on these experiences. Domestication and exploring women roles took place during these periods. Female artists such as Harriet Powers and Camille Claudel illustrated different types of work to different audiences. These bodies of work consisted of stories within their art. Powers is known for her quilts that she would sew, making patches of experiences and originality from being a freed slave. Claudel made nude sculptures illustrating sexuality that hinted her own relationship with an older man.
With that being said, it is difficult for women to be recognized with any talent, while men were acknowledged much faster. This proves that women have always been capable of making acceptable art and still be good housewife. Society limited the way women work since before the Middle Ages that still shapes today’s society. However, from the Middle Ages, women have improved with portraying their work with each forward century. The Renaissance and 19th century has helped women evolve with their art although there is many challenges that come before gaining recognition.
Work Cited:
Chadwick, Whitney. Women, Art, and Society. 4th Edition. 2007
Guerrilla Girls. The Guerrilla Girls' Bedside Companion to the History of Western Art. 2006
Lin Links:
| https://www.mfa.org/collections/object/pictorial-quilt-116166 |
No comments:
Post a Comment